Chamomile: varieties, growing and uses
Chamomile offers two different garden looks: a loose annual cloud of flowers or a low perennial carpet. To harvest flowers, choose a flowering species; for a scented edging, choose by growth habit. A non-flowering form should not be promoted for tea flowers.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
- Use
- Floral, apple-like scent. Use only correctly identified chamomile intended for culinary use; ornamental selections are not given flavour claims.
- Care
- Sunny, well drained and never completely dried out. Small seedlings must remain free of overpowering weeds.
- Harvest and flowering
- Pick newly opened flowers from flowering culinary species. Dry in a single layer and store only once everything is thoroughly dry.
Discover varieties and growth habits
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
German chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla: annual flower harvest.
Use: Aromatic flowers for a floral herbal tea.
Flavour of the species; a separate flavour profile for this variety has not yet been confirmed.View growing and harvesting →Place in my garden
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Roman chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile: a low perennial species.
Use: Apple-like scent at species level.
Flavour of the species; a separate flavour profile for this variety has not yet been confirmed.View growing and harvesting →Place in my garden
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Treneague
Non-flowering scented carpet, solely as a garden option.
Use: No flowers and therefore no flower harvest for tea.
Flavour of the species; a separate flavour profile for this variety has not yet been confirmed.View growing and harvesting →Place in my garden
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Flore Pleno
Double white flowers as a low ornamental choice.
Use: No separately substantiated culinary flavour claim.
Flavour of the species; a separate flavour profile for this variety has not yet been confirmed.View growing and harvesting →Place in my gardenChoose your way to grow
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Sowing a flowering harvest patch
Chamomile offers two different garden looks: a loose annual cloud of flowers or a low perennial carpet. To harvest flowers, choose a flowering species; for a scented edging, choose by growth habit. A non-flowering form should not be promoted for tea flowers.
- Choose Matricaria chamomilla seed for an annual flowering plot.
- Sow thinly on the surface; chamomile needs light to germinate.
- Keep young plants gently moist and create space between seedlings.
- Pick newly opened flowers and dry a trial amount in a single loose layer.
For an identifiable harvesting spot with enough room for this growth habit.
A low Roman chamomile edging
For edging beside a seating area, the low Roman form offers a different experience. The leaves form a green cushion and the scent is present even without harvesting flowers. A chamomile carpet does not replace a heavily used play lawn. Begin with a small strip you can care for well rather than a large area that disappears among weeds.
- Choose Roman chamomile, or Treneague if flowers are not the aim.
- Plant rooted young plants in a small, sunny, well-drained strip.
- Weed by hand so the low carpet is not shaded.
- Walk on it only sparingly and fill gaps later with rooted divisions.
For a second growing position where you can compare shape, scent or harvesting rhythm.
How to create your own herb-growing space
For flower harvests, make a small recognisable patch of true chamomile with visible labels. Observe newly opened flowers closely. Do not use random daisy-like plants from mixed borders: botanical identity matters even when flowers seem familiar.
Choose a suitable growing position
For edging beside a seating area, the low Roman form offers a different experience. The leaves form a green cushion and the scent is present even without harvesting flowers. A chamomile carpet does not replace a heavily used play lawn. Begin with a small strip you can care for well rather than a large area that disappears among weeds.
From plant to kitchen
Try drying a small plate of flowers. Separate them and check thicker centres before jarring. A dry exterior says little about central moisture. Date and label the supply by plant to compare the next flowering deliberately.
Scent, flavour and use
Floral, apple-like scent. Use only correctly identified chamomile intended for culinary use; ornamental selections are not given flavour claims.
Care, cutting and harvesting
Sunny, well drained and never completely dried out. Small seedlings must remain free of overpowering weeds.
Trim ordinary perennial chamomile into a more compact shape during growth if needed. Treneague stays low without such trimming.
Pick newly opened flowers from flowering culinary species. Dry in a single layer and store only once everything is thoroughly dry.
Cutting, caring and following the season
Trim ordinary perennial chamomile into a more compact shape during growth if needed. Treneague stays low without such trimming.
Species information and annual cycle
- Space
- Recommended spacing is missing. Check the plant label or seed packet; unknown space does not count as free space.
- Soil
- No pH range supported by sources is included. Test your soil and follow species and variety guidance.
- Season
- An indicative growth estimate is included; actual development still needs checking.
- Care
- Guide advice is available; the automatic species task matrix is not yet complete. Check the plant regularly and plan a task yourself if needed.
What you need
Tick what you already have. The extras depend on how you grow.
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Make it your garden
Save your favourite variety or add it to My garden. Your own observations determine the growth stage; care tasks are based on the species.
Add Chamomile to my gardenExplore more herbsSources and image information
SeedSteps editorial team · checked on 13 October 2026. Flavour descriptions come from the listed sources; ripeness and growing conditions affect flavour. AI images illustrate described characteristics and do not prove cultivar identity.
- Herbs – Real Life, Good FoodUniversity of Minnesota Extension · 2026-10-13
- How to grow chamomileRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Growing herbs in home gardensUniversity of Minnesota Extension · 2026-10-13